Keep Reading

I mentioned in a previous post about using agave nectar instead of table sugar, and I made a note to myself to discuss it later. After reading another negative article last night, now is the time. I've been using agave nectar for several months, and I had read both good and bad reviews about it. While researching this post, I'm still finding agave nectar on best and worst lists! Some articles say that Raw and Organic Agave Nectar is the way to go while others say not to use it at all. I'm seeing more negative info, so for the time being I'm putting only honey in my coffee until I take the time to check out other natural sweeteners. Honey and maple syrup (both preferably raw, organic or local) seem to still be good guys. Next I might check out Stevia, but there seems to be a lot of talk of the plant vs. the powder. That, my friends, is why we keep reading on this healthy-eating journey!

This is an important topic, but I will add that we shouldn't get too focused on specific sweeteners and forget that the goal is to cut back on all sugars in our diet.

While searching online I also found this chart which could help with baking while using different types of sweeteners.


Do you use natural sweeteners? If so, what's your favorite?


Action Item: Read more about natural sweeteners if you have questions then choose the best one(s) for you.

For Further Reading: Best and Worst Sweeteners to Have in Your Kitchen and Is Agave Bad For Your Health? and Top 5 Healthiest Natural Sweeteners and this is a good article, Sugar Wars. I've never read anything by this author before, but she seems knowledgeable and makes some great points in her summary at the end. 

Let's Talk Cookies

Most of us want a cookie every now and then, right? Give these a try. Recipe, as I received it from a friend, is below with my comments added.

Pumpkin-Oatmeal Raisin (or Chocolate) Cookies

Prep: 30 mins

Cooking: 14 mins

Level: Easy

Cooling: 15 mins

Yields: 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat flour and a little walnut meal for about 1/2 cup)

• 1 1/3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened (I try to use half unsalted butter and half greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce. The last two make the batter runnier, so you might need less than the one cup.)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar (I never pack it, and usually use less at least 1/4 less than what is called for)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (Again, I use about half and substitute with honey or agave nectar)

• 1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (if desired)

• 3/4 cup raisins (I used dark chocolate chips!)

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Lightly grease baking sheets. 

COMBINE flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix well. Stir in nuts and raisins. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 14 to16 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned and set in centers. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

To be totally honest, my cookies don't always turn out perfectly but they can always curb the sweet tooth! The more unsweetened and unsalted food you eat; the less you will want/crave in the future!

Action item: Try these the next time you want some cookies! Oatmeal, pumpkin, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, honey, and dark chocolate are all much better choices and can provide your body with fuel. Please keep in mind -- they are cookies and they do provide CALORIES. So watch your portions. But wouldn't you feel better feeding this to yourself or your child than a cookie with white flour and tons of sugar?

For Further Reading: 10 Totally Unexpected Ways to Cook with Pumpkin or try a faster cookie recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies (again, I recommend trying it with less sugar!)